Troops neutralise four ISWAP terrorists, rescue kidnap victims in Yobe

Four members of the notorious ISWAP terrorists were over last weekend killed by troops of the Nigeria Army, Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai which is vigorously fighting insurgency in the Lake Chad region.

The troops also rescued many passengers who had been kidnapped by the terrorists in Buni Yadi, Yobe State in continuation of its decisive war against the terrorist groups including Boko Haram.

The report was given by a renowned counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama made available to Journalists.

He highlighted that the encounter took place in Lamisuri village within the Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, based on verified intelligence sources.

According to him, On the morning of Friday, February 16, 2024, at approximately 10 am, armed terrorists utilizing a tricycle and motorcycles, intercepted and commandeered several vehicles transporting passengers on the route leading to the Yobe State College of Agriculture near Buni Yadi.

He added that in a swift response, a Military patrol team was deployed to pursue the terrorists, following the escape route identified through intelligence inputs.

The team successfully located a hijacked vehicle, a green Volkswagen Golf with the registration number BBU 353 HD, transporting two women and children who were left behind due to the military’s proactive pursuit.

After ensuring the safety of the abandoned passengers and securing the vehicle, the patrol team continued their mission to track down the remaining terrorists and recover the other hijacked vehicles and passengers.

The troops’ persistence led them to Lamisuri village, where they engaged the terrorists in a confrontation.

During the operation, four terrorists were eliminated, and a tricycle carrying stolen food items was retrieved while some of the assailants managed to escape with injuries from the exchange of fire.

Although the two remaining hijacked vehicles were not found at the scene, evidence suggested they had moved towards the Meleri community near Goniri village.

The military team pursued the vehicle tracks to Meleri village, where credible information indicated that one vehicle was headed towards Buni Yadi, while the other was observed traveling towards Damaturu via Katarko village.

Efforts are being intensified by the military to rescue the remaining victims and recover all hijacked vehicles, underscoring the commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens in the region.